Bikes in Toulouse: along the canal, more space but new tensions appear
In July 2022, Toulouse Métropole built a new cycle path on Boulevard de la Marne, along the Canal du Midi. In use, the cohabitation between cyclists and motorists has generated tensions, which can go as far as aggression. Testimony.
The cycle path development of the Boulevard de la Marne, along the Canal du Midi in Toulouse (after the Pont des Demoiselles, in the direction of Rangueil), was to generate space and well-being for users. In theory. The practice turns out to be more nuanced.
In July 2022, Toulouse Métropole removed parking spaces to create a secure cycle path, protected by reflective yellow studs.
Toulouse Métropole wants to pacify relations between pedestrians and cyclists…
The corn ? Free up space on the canal bank lane, which is very busy at peak times, and allow pedestrians in particular to benefit from a safer space. Cyclists are committed to riding on the new cycle path (in the Rangueil downtown direction), or on the roadway for cars, in the Rangueil downtown direction. This is the meaning of the pictograms painted on the ground.
Insults and physical threats
The problem is that some motorists are particularly impatient, honking cyclists that they cannot overtake, on this very narrow lane, in the uphill direction, downtown towards Rangueil.
Recently, Bernard, a cyclist from Toulouse, was verbally abused by several motorists, who did not understand why he was riding, with his companion, on the same road as them, towards Rangueil.
… but new tensions are emerging between cyclists and motorists
“We were going up towards Rangueil, and frankly, it was very tense. The speed is limited to 30 km/h on this axis, we drive at 20 km/h perhaps. But we were copiously insulted by motorists, honking, because they can’t overtake us. One of them even stopped, and it almost got out of hand”.
Taken aback, Bernard contacted the “Allô Toulouse” service to report the incident. “My goal is both to point out the incivility of some, but also to alert the Metropolis to the danger of the place for cyclists. While the development carried out was supposed to calm traffic…”
Exchanges and permanent adaptations, indicates the mayor of the district
Contacted, the district mayor Fella Allal, indicates that the new cycle path “cannot accommodate cyclists traveling in both directions”, because it is “not wide enough”. But “nothing prevents cyclists who do not feel sufficiently safe on the road shared with motorists, from riding on the lane on the bank of the canal”. “Uses are changing, we are constantly talking to users and local residents to improve things”. The mayor recalls that the purpose of this new development is to free up space for pedestrians on the canal route.